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August 20, 2012

August 19, 2012

Ripley was brought to Angels of Assisi by Botetourt Animal Control, with an awful looking tumor. He had surgery, and spent 2 weeks in our clinic recovering. Biopsy results were not good, and we knew that a hospice foster home would be needed.

Thankfully, Ripley went home to live out his last chapter this afternoon, and we are eternally grateful to his new family. We'll be sure to share this good news with Botetourt Animal Control Officer Thrasher, who saved him earlier this month.

We wish his prognosis was better. But at the end of the day, to be treated respectfully and surrounded by love is more than enough. We thank his new family for providing those things with joy in their hearts.

Sophia and her mom arrived to check out the $25 cat and kitten spacial at Angels of Assisi this afternoon. By chance, they had an empty carrier in the car, "just in case".

Good thing they did.

Smile at each other. Smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other- it doesn't matter who it is- and that will help to grow up in greater love for each other."
~ Mother Teresa

August 6, 2012

When I was in nursing school, we had to do many research projects, and our inaugural one was to find out what a patient's perception of "caring" was. What is it that professionals project that showed they care?

My partner and I went through the various studies, and also formulated a questionnaires for our unsuspecting, yet willing to particulate, hospital patients. What is caring? Good bedside manner? Good communication? Patient education? Answering the hospital call bell quickly? Keeping the family involved? Being a good listener?

While all those things are undoubtedly important, the top attributes of a caring professional included: an excellent skill
set, proficiency, and knowledge.

Thankfully for a little dog named Bentley, he was tended to by a group
extraordinarily caring professionals last Friday, and because of them,
he is alive today.

Unable to walk. Bentley was carried into our adoption center late Friday afternoon. Dr. Phillips took one look at him, and
immediately sprung into action by starting IV fluids, administering a
Vitamin B shot, and checking vital signs. As Vet assistant Jess took his
temperature, she started pulling maggots off of the thermometer; he had them internally, in wounds under matted hair, and in his
eyes. Bentley's gums were pure white, and a blood draw showed his
counts were so low that it was doubtful he would survive.

Animal Control was called, and Asssi staff continued to work on Bentley.
Roanoke ACO Gibson arrived shortly, took control of legalities of the
situation, and gave the go ahead for Bentley to be transferred
immediately to Emergency Vet Services.

The car ride to EVS was scary; one of those driving with one hand on
the wheel and the other on Bentley's heart, willing him to hang on.

We arrived at EVS, and the staff was ready, waiting, and amazed that he was still alive. Fortunately, our Angels of Assisi Vet Tech, Courtney, also works at EVS.
She helped with Bentley when he first entered our clinic, and we
followed her over to EVS.

Courtney was the one who had the skill set and knowledge to insert the
catheter into his neck that ultimatley saved Bentley's life. Getting a
catheter big enough to allow a blood transfusion is no easy task,
especially in an animal as compromised as Bentley.

About one third of the way into his transfusion, Bentley sat up, then
stood up, and he has been pretty self sufficient ever since. Officer Gibson
was in to see him at EVS, and in again to see him after he was
transferred back to Angels of Assisi on Saturday. Bentley has already
benefited from some volunteer TLC, and we are hopeful that he has a very
bright future.

This awesome little dog is a fighter, no doubt about it. We're thankful to the caring professionals, Dr. Phillips, Jess, Courtney, and ACO Gibson for using your skill sets, proficiency, and knowledge to save his life. Teamwork at it's best!

August 3, 2012

If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.

Orson Welles

Max was abandoned at the Roanoke Dog Park because his owner could no longer afford to take care of him. We don't know if she was being completely careless, or if she thought leaving him in a place full of dog lovers would give him the best chance of finding a new home.

Animal Control officers brought Max to the Roanoke Pound (RCACP), and
found the lady who left him at the park. She confirmed that that she
could no longer keep him, as she could barely take care of herself and
her children.

RCACP staff did a great job of making contact with another family member, who lives out in AZ. Reece was very thankful that he was notified, and wanted us to know Max's story.

Come to find out, Max was a victim of a rash of poisonings out in Mexa, AZ, and almost died. He made the news several times (click here and here) and is lucky to be alive. Parks are supposed to be happy places for dogs to enjoy and run free, but Max has certainly had his share of trouble in these areas of recreation.

Reece has arranged for Max to be transported back to Arizona on Wednesday. Unfortunately the RCACP leadership could not guarantee that Max would be kept alive until Wednesday, so he'll be heading over to Angels of Assisi for safe keeping this afternoon.

Who would have guessed that this abandoned dog at the Roanoke Pound had
such a story, and what are the stories behind all the other faces
peering out from behind the bars on Baldwin Avenue? Thank you, Max, for
reminding us of this, giving us a new dedication to find out, and working harder to make your stories have the happy ever after you all deserve.

August 2, 2012

Baby Girl was rescued from the Bedford Pound. Due to her skin condition, she has the infamous yeast smell that the Biscuit Fund was named after.
Her foster family reports that she on about a million different medications, and seems to be gaining her strength back.

We think she is just beautiful, and send out many millions of thanks to all who have helped with her care.

"Do I love you because you're beautiful, or are you beautiful because I love you?”
~ Richard Rogers

Things have been bustling as usual down at 415 Campbell Avenue, and we would like to take a moment to thank all of the wonderful volunteers, foster homes, and contributors to the cause. Everyone has helped in their own way, and all the pieces fit together just right. Here is a tiny snapshot from yesterday...

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Your contribution to Angels of Assisi funds low cost spay/neuter programs, provides food, shelter, and medical care to pets in need, and helps with animal rescue in our community. Together we can make a difference!